Things To Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Whether you are a culture seeker, food aficionado, outdoor adventurer or history lover, Louisiana is filled with opportunities for you to #FeedYourSoul.
Here's a roundup of fun Louisiana events and activities.
With nine state museums and 21 state parks and preserves, there is no shortage of things to do every day of the year in Louisiana.
Head to countless festivals. Listen to live music that will get in your bones and never leave. Enjoy world-class fishing, boating and paddling. Get up close with nature on biking and hiking trails. You'll find excellent camping and picnic areas, including well-equipped cabins and RV parks at a Louisiana state park.
Discover the history of Mardi Gras, see Louis Armstrong's cornet, relive historical moments in Louisiana sports history and so much more when you visit one of Louisiana's state museums. There are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture that makes Louisiana such a special place.
These are just a few #OnlyLouisiana events happening around the state this weekend. For a full list of this weekend's events, click here!
Celebration in the Oaks
November 29-January 3
New Orleans
Located in New Orleans' iconic City Park, Celebration in the Oaks features one of the most spectacular holiday light shows in the country! Explore 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The park, botanical garden, Storyland and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland in the Big Easy.
For more holiday entertainment, head to the French Quarter Saturday morning for the Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade. It’s a Crescent City tradition showcasing 30 holiday-themed floats, high-flying balloons, lively marching bands and talented dance groups. Or take in sights of the whole city at Vue Orleans, a 360-degree observation deck complete with interactive cultural exhibits, including a panoramic show and a digital cafe.
Believe Lights the Night
Select Nights, November 30-December 23
Shreveport
Bring the family and experience the magic of the season — literally — at Shreveport Aquarium’s Believe Lights the Night. See kids’ eyes light up as they use the power of their motion-activated wands to reveal reindeer footprints and play music. Along with seeing all the animals, visitors can meet a variety of holiday characters, like Kris Kringle and a snow mermaid; make a holiday card with an elf; taste Mrs. Kringle’s cookies and more.
Looking for more family-friendly fun? Explore the vendor booths of the Holiday Makers’ Market at the Meadows Museum of Art where you can get in some retail therapy and check out the fall exhibition for one final day. Or head to Benton for their annual Christmas on the Square Festival & Parade.
Listening Room Film Festival
December 3-11
Baton Rouge
Independent entertainers and filmmakers debut music-centered works at Listening Room Film Festival, Baton Rouge’s immersive digital-media experience. Watch films and engage in panel discussions with the Southeast’s finest.
Later, discuss films over drinks at the enchanting Lotus Lounge. Beat the winter blues one sip at a time with zippy, fruit-forward cocktails reminiscent of summer vacation.
Alex Winter Fête
December 5-7
Alexandria
At Alex Winter Fête, you can glide across an ice skating rink, watch kaleidoscopic fireworks from the banks of the Red River and snack on tasty fair food all in one day. Little ones will love exploring Jolly Junction, an arena filled with activities curated just for them. After shopping from local vendors, families can marvel at performances from stilt walkers, fire breathers and musicians. The best part? This festival is free to attend.
For more stunning holiday displays, visit the Alexandria Zoo. During the day, you can see adorable otters, massive gators and barking capybara, and at night, you can stroll winding paths lined with playful lights. Families will also enjoy daytime visits to Kees Park for playground fun, disc golfing and walking trails.
Chubby Carrier’s Christmas Concert
December 6
Lafayette
Celebrate Christmas Louisiana-style with a zydeco musical performance during Chubby Carrier’s Christmas Concert. See the Grammy award-winning group, Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band, take the stage after the city’s tree-lighting ceremony. The event is free and will feature food trucks, a card-making station and a visit from the jolly man in red.
The concert is also part of Lafayette’s Merry & Bright Downtown Holiday Experience, which offers merry-making activities all month long. Continue your weekend revelry with a Christmas parade Sunday afternoon. Or savor more of Louisiana’s traditional Cajun music with a live jam session and refreshing brews at Bayou Teche Brewing.
25th Annual Holiday of Lights
December 6 & 7, 13 &14
Mandeville
From rides to music and lights, the 25th Annual Holiday of Lights is filled with yuletide excitement for families and friends. The festivities start Friday night with a parade and tree-lighting ceremony. On Saturday, create free arts and crafts, whoop and holler on carnival rides, take a tram tour through Santa’s Yuletide Forest or watch the lineup of live entertainment, including marching bands, cheer teams and choirs.
All weekend, you’ll find festive events throughout the community, including a North Pole Express Safari, featuring reindeer, s’mores and photo opportunities with Mr. Claus; Story Time with Santa at Ox Lot Books; performances of “Scrooge!” at the Slidell Little Theatre and more.
Christmas on Caddo Fireworks
December 7
Oil City
Take part in the communal joy of Christmas on Caddo Fireworks, an annual extravaganza in downtown Oil City. Watch Disney™-level pyrotechnics light the sky in shades of red and green as you listen to live music and enjoy local light-bites.
Before the show, stop by the Sci-Port Discovery Center for Sno-Port, a seasonal, snow-themed exhibition. This interactive playground includes a make-believe sock skating rink, igloo experience, ice fishing pond and more.
Learn more about Shreveport-Bossier.
Christmas on the Cane
December 7
Natchitoches
At Christmas on the Cane, you can experience the unique Christmas traditions of 18th century Louisiana. Come in the morning to watch the parade, then tour the grounds of Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site where you can interact with reenactors and see a variety of demonstrations throughout the day. Admission is $4.
Feel that warm and cheery holiday spirit as you walk through town listening to live music along the riverbank and enjoy shopping at local stores. Find everything from one-of-a-kind decor at Stella’s Christmas Boutique & More to Louisiana-themed presents from Georgia’s Gift Shop and stocking stuffers from Cane River Candy Company.
Christmas on the River Festival Day
December 7
West Monroe
Head to the Ouachita riverfront for holiday festivities during Christmas on the River Festival Day. The fun begins with food trucks and shopping near Antique Alley, followed by live bands and a Christmas parade in the afternoon. Stay through the evening to see fireworks light up the sky and take a wagon ride through town.
On Friday night, come watch Monroe’s tree-lighting ceremony, then explore the local food scene for everything from southern comfort staples like juicy fried chicken to stone-fired pizza and craft cocktails. On Sunday morning, families looking for sensory-friendly activities can attend Sensory Santa. Here, you can capture magical moments with Mr. Kringle in a serene atmosphere. Be sure to reserve your spot.
Zwolle Christmas Festival
December 7
Zwolle
Kick off the holidays with the whole family at the annual Zwolle Christmas Festival. Enjoy events like a 5K walk/run event or be dazzled by the evening fireworks display. Stroll vendor stalls to check off your shopping list and see the festive parade. Plus, enter to win an early Christmas present with the bike giveaway.
Arrive Friday for movie night beneath the stars with popcorn and hot cocoa and see the town lit up with holiday lights. On Sunday, enjoy a family drive along the Louisiana Colonial Trails Scenic Byway, which peeks into the state’s past, or the Toledo Bend Forest Scenic Byway, which showcases the reservoir's beauty and history.
Learn more about Toledo Bend Lake Country.
A Jolly Holiday Concert
December 8
Alexandria
Hear the music of the season at Rapides Symphony Orchestra’s annual A Jolly Holiday Concert, featuring Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years music. The show will also include guest vocalist Enrico Cannella, alpine horn soloist William Rose and select student musicians. Tickets are $25 with options for family packages.
Come to town early to take part in classic holiday activities, like a gingerbread-house-decorating class at Les Amis Studio & Boutique. Or bring your hungry belly and the kiddos for Brunch with Santa where you can snap pictures with merry Saint Nick, indulge in rich hot chocolate or sip specially crafted Christmas cocktails. Reservations are required for both events.
Ring in the Holidays
Visit seven spirited areas across the Holiday Trail of Lights, which feature dazzling displays, lively parades, seasonal music, live theater, magical visits from Santa and more. Enjoy the festivities from November to January!
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there is always something unique to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
